***KC at Baltimore***6/30

[DeezNutz]

DeJesus out of the lineup tonight with bruised labia. Aviles batting lead-off. Butler the DH.

[chefsos]

Watch out for Adam(No, not Pacman)Jones. The kid's on a hot streak...

[DeezNutz]

Watch out for Adam(No, not Pacman)Jones. The kid's on a hot streak...

I believe the Royals were trying to acquire Jones last year...

[Reaper16]

DeJesus out of the lineup tonight with bruised labia. Aviles batting lead-off. Butler the DH.
DeJesus smashed his hip into Jason La Rue's helmet yesterday at their collision at home. It's a legit injury.

[DeezNutz]

DeJesus smashed his hip into Jason La Rue's helmet yesterday at their collision at home. It's a legit injury.

I didn't see it live. Perhaps the replay didn't do it justice, but it didn't look too bad. If it were someone other than DeJesus, I'd be willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, but he's the same guy who left a game because of hives.

[SithCeNtZ]

Good to see Butler get off to a good start.

[CoMoChief]

Maybe we can string together some more 13-3 steaks again.

As long as it provides little losing in between.

[VonneMarie]

Aviles should have turned around and beat the living shit out of that ump. That was a bullshit call and he knows it.

[Silock]

How do you spell implosion?

G-R-E-I-N-K-E.

[Nightfyre]

How do you spell implosion?

G-R-E-I-N-K-E.

This inning should have been over long ago but has continued at the fault of the defense, not greinke.

[Silock]

This inning should have been over long ago but has continued at the fault of the defense, not greinke.

It's the defense's fault that they kept hitting to the wall?

[Silock]

Man, where did Aviles come from? This guy just keeps producing.

[Silock]

LOL Balk, then a walk.

Too bad we have 2 outs.

Still, making a comeback is nice.

[VonneMarie]

BALK! Hellz yeah! 1 run game.

[VonneMarie]

Too bad Buck is batting.

[Adept Havelock]

Too bad Buck is batting.

Understatement of the year. :banghead:

[VonneMarie]

****

[Sure-Oz]

Royals got robbed of another baserunner at 1st, the ump at 1b sucks ass

5-4 in the 8th right now O's on top

[Adept Havelock]

That first base umpire makes Helen Keller look positively observant.

[DeezNutz]

It's really incredible that a ML ump could blow a call as badly as he did on Grudz. The Butler one is more understandable, but Grudz? There really should be a fine for this, or at least in some way the ump should be held accountable.

[Sure-Oz]

It's really incredible that a ML ump could blow a call as badly as he did on Grudz. The Butler one is more understandable, but Grudz? There really should be a fine for this, or at least in some way the ump should be held accountable.

I would've gotten my moneys worth if i were grud and hillman, that dude is ****ing blind...

[Kraus]

It's really incredible that a ML ump could blow a call as badly as he did on Grudz. The Butler one is more understandable, but Grudz? There really should be a fine for this, or at least in some way the ump should be held accountable.

I agree. That ball was a good 3-5 feet from the glove of the first baseman.

[VonneMarie]

Game.

[Sure-Oz]

Where the hell is the strike there???

[Sure-Oz]

DP **** you O's, cmon guys! to the 9th

[Kraus]

I'm surprised the first base ump didn't call that runner safe.

[Fish]

The umps are all over the place in this game. Last couple pitches, an obvious strike is called a ball, then he follows it up with a ball that he called a strike....

Sheesh....

[Sure-Oz]

I just saw that Dallas Mcpherson has 28 HR's in AAA, we need to trade Gath to FL for him to play 1b for us

[DeezNutz]

It's embarrassing when your 5-hole hitter is pinch hit for, and it's even more embarrassing when it's the right move.

[alanm]

Before I even look to see who's winning. It's never a good sign when there's less than 40 posts.:shake:

[VonneMarie]

Three game losing streaks, rock!

[DeezNutz]

Wow! Managerial brilliance...

[Sure-Oz]

OLIVO JUST RAPED HIM!!!!!!!!! 0-2 PITCH

[Fish]

****ing boooya!!

We ain't done here folks..........

[DeezNutz]

Three game losing streaks, rock!

Oopsie poopsie...ROFL /mememe/

[Adept Havelock]

Thank you Olivo! Tie game!

[VonneMarie]

Reverse mojo, rocks!

[VonneMarie]

Butler sucks.

[Sure-Oz]

Nice ****ing strike 2 call there

[Sure-Oz]

Butler was looking to hit a long single, the pussy should've swung for the fences

[DeezNutz]

How the **** have the Royals lost 9 straight to these idiots?

[Kraus]

Now we have a chance. Way to go Olivo!

[Fish]

Bubblegum timeout!!

ROFL.....

[Hammock Parties]

trey hillman made all the right moves in the 8th and 9th inning. walked mora to get to hernandez and got the DP they needed, next half inning, pinch hit olivo for teahen and got the homerun that we needed. He seems like he's got the finger on the pulse of how things are going, which is something buddy bell didnt.

[VonneMarie]

Awww crap!

[Sure-Oz]

Awww crap!
To the 10th

[Sure-Oz]

My lord Gathright is worthless, nice slide to 2nd pussy

[Adept Havelock]

trey hillman made all the right moves in the 8th and 9th inning. walked mora to get to hernandez and got the DP they needed, next half inning, pinch hit olivo for teahen and got the homerun that we needed. He seems like he's got the finger on the pulse of how things are going, which is something buddy bell didnt.

And then there are decisions like sending Gathright. :cuss:

[BWillie]

Not that that steal was really his fault, but when are we bringing up Mitch Maier or someone else instead of Gathright. He's just been terrible this year. He's not even an upgrade defensively over DDJ.

[Sure-Oz]

Not that that steal was really his fault, but when are we bringing up Mitch Maier or someone else instead of Gathright. He's just been terrible this year. He's not even an upgrade defensively over DDJ.

Maeir's OPS isn't much better, and i believe even Costa has a higher OPS than both, all 3 options blow.

I just hope Joey can be trade bait somehow

[Sure-Oz]

That was close, 1 out

[Sure-Oz]

To the 11th

[KcMizzou]

Guillen!!!

Hell yes!

[Sure-Oz]

Guillen comes through!

[Adept Havelock]

JOSE CAN YOU SEE!!!! 6-5 Royals.

[Fish]

Ohhhh hell yeah.....

Takin the lead...... takin the lead...........

Come on Blue.... put these bitches away..

[DeezNutz]

And he still hates the fans!!!

NTTAWWT

[KcMizzou]

Nice seeing a Mizzou shirt in the background on the road too. :D

Little extra bonus.

[Kraus]

Mr. Filthly McNasty will have another save opportunity. Royals with the lead.

[KcMizzou]

Ugh... C'mon Mexicutioner.

You can do it.

[Adept Havelock]

Paging Dr. Filthy McNasty. Dr. McNasty, please report to the mound.

[Sure-Oz]

I still dont' get why German is also on the roster...he gets 1 ab every 20 games

[DeezNutz]

German might be Pena Jr. Jr. Their numbers are about the same, granted the former has far fewer ABs...

[Fish]

SO-RI-Ah.... SO-RI-Ah.... SO-RI-Ah.... SO-RI-Ah....

[DeezNutz]

Are the stands clearing?

[Coach]

SIT YOUR F**KING ASS DOWN!

[Adept Havelock]

1 down, two to go.

[Kraus]

That is NASTY!!!

[KcMizzou]

Jesus.

3 pitch K

1 out.

[DeezNutz]

Good morning.
Good afternoon.
Good night.

[OmahaChief]

Soria puts clown shoes on another hitter!

[DeezNutz]

****ing Soria. Throwing ball one.

[Fish]

LMAO....... he makes so many professional batters look like total retards.... like a righty swinging lefty...

Unbelievable....

[Coach]

Come on, get this clown out.....

[Adept Havelock]

Two Down.

[Coach]

2 down. Time to stand.

[DeezNutz]

What a change this is. Soria is the antithesis to MacDougal.

[DeezNutz]

Peace. The O's have the pleasure of seeing Soria for 3 more games.

[Kraus]

Royals win!!!!

[Coach]

STRUCK HIS F**KING ASS OUT

Of course, Buck needs to catch the ****ing thing.

[OmahaChief]

The Mexicutioner lops off two more heads!

[Sure-Oz]

Soria is a thing of beauty!

Olivo with the clutch hit of the game baby and Guillen as well

[KcMizzou]

Fantastic.

That kid's awesome.

[Adept Havelock]

SIDDOWN!

ROYALS WIN!!!

One heckuva comeback by the boys in blue. :clap:

[petegz28]

TOO ****ing nassssssssT !!!

[BWillie]

I really hope Soria starts next year. He's just too good to be a closure. I don't care what anybody says. Starting pitching is 3 times more important than closers. He's young, at least give him a shot.

[KcMizzou]

We needed that.

The O's have been a pain in the ass.

[petegz28]

I really hope Soria starts next year. He's just too good to be a closure. I don't care what anybody says. Starting pitching is 3 times more important than closers. He's young, at least give him a shot.



BS...I want this guy on the mound every night locking down wins.

[OmahaChief]

Thanks Dayton Moore for beefing up our scouting and having them find a guy like Soria. Thanks also for getting a new contract for the deadliest closer the Royals have had since Quisenberry!

[KcMizzou]

BS...I want this guy on the mound every night locking down wins.I agree.

He's shown himself to be one of the best closers in the game... dont mess with him. Let him do what he does best.

[Coach]

Cleveland lost, so I believe that gets us in sole possession in 4th place.

[petegz28]

Right now we have to be one of the few teams in baseball that knows going into the 9th with a 1 run lead it's our game.

[Kraus]

Detroit also beat Minnesota.

We can make up some games in this series if we can keep winning. The rest of the AL Central is playing each other.

[OmahaChief]

Also nice to see Butler get three hits tonight. Welcome back Billy, now show a little power with that stroke.

[petegz28]

Also nice to see Butler get three hits tonight. Welcome back Billy, now show a little power with that stroke.

he had one hit that was a solid line drive just right at the RF so it was only a singe. Granted this kid is going to have to get Thome like if he wants to stay in the big leagues.

[Sure-Oz]

I really hope Soria starts next year. He's just too good to be a closure. I don't care what anybody says. Starting pitching is 3 times more important than closers. He's young, at least give him a shot.

No thank you, leave him at closer, the dude is so dominant there. Remember when we had shitty closers before? We can get other starters...this guy is Rivera dominant!

[Coach]

Detroit also beat Minnesota.

We can make up some games in this series if we can keep winning. The rest of the AL Central is playing each other.

Yep. Hopefully the guys in blue can maintain a .500 or better ball on this road trip. Baltimore, for whatever reasons, always been a pain in our asses, and Tampa Bay who I feel is the best team in the AL right now, so that ain't gonna be a picnic there.

And when the guys come back to the "K" they square off aganist the White Suck, so that'll give them a chance to catch them in the standings.

[Hammock Parties]

my god Soria must have balls of ****ing steel or something, cause he never seems to be out of control of the situation. The kid is young and he is ****ing NASTY!!!

Also, did anybody understand what Guillen was saying after the game? I couldn't understand a ****ing word he said, heh. The only thing i really heard was that Olivo got lucky, or somethin like that. He seems like a Chad Johnson type of jerk, where he's god and everybody else isnt worth squat...

[petegz28]

Yep. Hopefully the guys in blue can maintain a .500 or better ball on this road trip. Baltimore, for whatever reasons, always been a pain in our asses, and Tampa Bay who I feel is the best team in the AL right now, so that ain't gonna be a picnic there.

And when the guys come back to the "K" they square off aganist the White Suck, so that'll give them a chance to catch them in the standings.

We need to maintain focus defensively. We lost the two to the Cards cause of shitty play in the field. I really feel better these days with Gathright ot of the lineup as much as I like him.

[DeezNutz]

No thank you, leave him at closer, the dude is so dominant there. Remember when we had shitty closers before? We can get other starters...this guy is Rivera dominant!

I completely agree. If Soria were even above average in the pen, I'd say move him to the rotation. But you don't **** with an elite-level closer. This guy is as difficult to find as a true #1. Imagine having Rivera for over a decade...

[Hammock Parties]

No thank you, leave him at closer, the dude is so dominant there. Remember when we had shitty closers before? We can get other starters...this guy is Rivera dominant!

aye, too many ****ing times we've had a really good reliever that we tried to move to the rotation and it just isnt as good. Leave well enough alone.

[BWillie]

No thank you, leave him at closer, the dude is so dominant there. Remember when we had shitty closers before? We can get other starters...this guy is Rivera dominant!

Why limit a guy as good as Soria to 80 innings a year when he could pitch 210 inings? Let Ramirez or Mahay pitch. Good enough.

[KcMizzou]

my god Soria must have balls of ****ing steel or something, cause he never seems to be out of control of the situation. The kid is young and he is ****ing NASTY!!!

Also, did anybody understand what Guillen was saying after the game? I couldn't understand a ****ing word he said, heh. The only thing i really heard was that Olivo got lucky, or somethin like that. He seems like a Chad Johnson type of jerk, where he's god and everybody else isnt worth squat...Yeah, Soria's got nerves of steel. Nothing effects him.

As for Guillen, you must have heard something I didn't.

[DeezNutz]

my god Soria must have balls of ****ing steel or something, cause he never seems to be out of control of the situation. The kid is young and he is ****ing NASTY!!!

Also, did anybody understand what Guillen was saying after the game? I couldn't understand a ****ing word he said, heh. The only thing i really heard was that Olivo got lucky, or somethin like that. He seems like a Chad Johnson type of jerk, where he's god and everybody else isnt worth squat...

:hmmm:

There were a couple of mememememe (not to be confused with our beloved mememe) comments, but I thought he did ok.

[petegz28]

Props to Hillman tonight.....

1. Olivo pinch hit...
2. Bunt call with Grudz...
3. Stayed with Mayhay until we got the lead...

3 game impacting decisions that paid off tonight.

[Sure-Oz]

my god Soria must have balls of ****ing steel or something, cause he never seems to be out of control of the situation. The kid is young and he is ****ing NASTY!!!

Also, did anybody understand what Guillen was saying after the game? I couldn't understand a ****ing word he said, heh. The only thing i really heard was that Olivo got lucky, or somethin like that. He seems like a Chad Johnson type of jerk, where he's god and everybody else isnt worth squat...

He wasn't being a jerk, olivo did get lucky the guy hung one 0-2, he also said we are focusing on wins and that we have the guys here to win! It was a good interview. Also said when the pitcher walks the guy to get to him it motivates him even more. nuff said

[KcMizzou]

aye, too many ****ing times we've had a really good reliever that we tried to move to the rotation and it just isnt as good. Leave well enough alone.And by changing his role, you run a risk of screwing him up... It's not worth the risk. Not when he's THAT good.

[Coach]

We need to maintain focus defensively. We lost the two to the Cards cause of shitty play in the field. I really feel better these days with Gathright ot of the lineup as much as I like him.

Not to mention the offense let us down on one of those games. Can't believe some dude named Boggs dominate us. Inexcuseable.

I know we're only 10 games out of first, but I feel that KC should be looking for a big bat. The sooner, the better IMHO.

To be honest with you, when the season started, if anybody told me that KC would be within 8-10 games of first place by the All-Star, I would had have a hard time buying that. But now, it's a possibility.

[petegz28]

Why limit a guy as good as Soria to 80 innings a year when he could pitch 210 inings? Let Ramirez or Mahay pitch. Good enough.

because I would rather have 80 innings that equal around 75 wins rather than 35-40 games that maybe he wins 17 if he has offense and a pen.

[Hammock Parties]

He wasn't being a jerk, olivo did get lucky the guy hung one 0-2, he also said we are focusing on wins and that we have the guys here to win! It was a good interview. Also said when the pitcher walks the guy to get to him it motivates him even more. nuff said

you guys are probably right, i think i just misheard what he had said. i could barely understand much of it, heh.

[KcMizzou]

Props to Hillman tonight.....

1. Olivo pinch hit...
2. Bunt call with Grudz...
3. Stayed with Mayhay until we got the lead...

3 game impacting decisions that paid off tonight.Hell yeah.

We're quick to blame a manager when we lose... not so quick to give credit.

I like Hillman.

[Sure-Oz]

Why limit a guy as good as Soria to 80 innings a year when he could pitch 210 inings? Let Ramirez or Mahay pitch. Good enough.

I think we'd have more excitement...than we want honestly...

Yeah a guy with 4 pitches is rare as a closer, but this guy wins games for us by dominating the opposition. Id rather have him preserve 3-4 victories in a week than win possibly 1 game. I am no longer nervous as a fan that our closer is going to blow it, its been a long time.

[Reaper16]

Well, firstly, elite closers are not as hard to find as elite starters. The difference in value between and elite starter and an elite closer is astronomical. 2nd, Soria would not really be a reliever converted to a starter. Soria was a starter his whole career that we converted to a reliever.

[Coach]

Yep. Hopefully the guys in blue can maintain a .500 or better ball on this road trip. Baltimore, for whatever reasons, always been a pain in our asses, and Tampa Bay who I feel is the best team in the AL right now, so that ain't gonna be a picnic there.

And when the guys come back to the "K" they square off aganist the White Suck, so that'll give them a chance to catch them in the standings.

I should also point out that after the ASG, the Royals play aganist the White Suck at Chicago for 3 games, and back to the "K" for 3 games aganist Detroit.

They have a great oppiturnity to make up some serious ground.

[Sure-Oz]

you guys are probably right, i think i just misheard what he had said. i could barely understand much of it, heh.

Ill admit he kinda comes off as cockish like a chad johnson but hey he can back it up too. It was nice to hear that the important part is winning and that he knows his teammates can do that

[Coach]

Hell yeah.

We're quick to blame a manager when we lose... not so quick to give credit.

I like Hillman.

Hell, a complete change over Dummy Bell. Granted, there are some calls that I will question him, but he ain't no dummy. Sometimes it's pure luck. Sometimes it is what it is. Either way, a win is a win. I'll give him credit for that, and I like him as well.

I just hope he can do it on a consistent basis, meaning that keep the guys competitive, and not just one fluke year (2003 for example)

[Sure-Oz]

Well, firstly, elite closers are not as hard to find as elite starters. The difference in value between and elite starter and an elite closer is astronomical. 2nd, Soria would not really be a reliever converted to a starter. Soria was a starter his whole career that we converted to a reliever.

You have a point as well as Bwillie, i just don't think it will happen in the near future. We locked this guy to slam the door and he does it with ease. I don't think Dayton will even think about it unless we get someone nearly as dominant to close games out. mahay and ramirez are good, but they are good in their roles. Soria never gets shaken

[Hammock Parties]

Why limit a guy as good as Soria to 80 innings a year when he could pitch 210 inings? Let Ramirez or Mahay pitch. Good enough.

ok, good point to ponder here. remember the past couple years before soria became our closer, ambiorix burgos, mike mcdougal ring a bell? leads went for not daily.

There have been so many fooking leads that this team had given up before soria that it makes me sick even thinking about it.

WE MUST KEEP SORIA AS THE CLOSER!!! No more leads given up PLEASE!!!

[KcMizzou]

Ill admit he kinda comes off as cockish like a chad johnson but hey he can back it up too. It was nice to hear that the important part is winning and that he knows his teammates can do thatTo me, Guillen's just a hot headed loudmouth.

In the grand scheme of things, that's not so bad.

I just think we'd be a lot worse off without him.

[Sure-Oz]

because I would rather have 80 innings that equal around 75 wins rather than 35-40 games that maybe he wins 17 if he has offense and a pen.

I shouldn't have even posted...:thumb:

[Sure-Oz]

To me, Guillen's just a hot headed loudmouth.

In the grand scheme of things, that's not so bad.

I just think we'd be a lot worse off without him.

The Mariners sure are and the guy really seems to be liked by his teammates, works for me.

[petegz28]

To me, Guillen's just a hot headed loudmouth.

In the grand scheme of things, that's not so bad.

I just think we'd be a lot worse off without him.

Yeah and maybe his ego is infalted a little more here rather than in Seattle but he has backed it up immensely and has been worth every dime we pay him so far. He had a bad throw tonight that would of shot a runner and he comes up huge in the clutch at the plate to redeem.

[BWillie]

Well, firstly, elite closers are not as hard to find as elite starters. The difference in value between and elite starter and an elite closer is astronomical. 2nd, Soria would not really be a reliever converted to a starter. Soria was a starter his whole career that we converted to a reliever.

Yep. My thoughts exactly. He's young too. I'd hate to waste 5 years of him closing when he could of been a dominant starter. I know you guys are liking the saves, and I do too, but MOST teams theres not a huge difference between a good closer and a great closer. There is a big difference however between Burgos and Soria. But Burgos takes being a piece of shit closer to a new level.

[petegz28]

The Mariners sure are and the guy really seems to be liked by his teammates, works for me.

The ownwer of the Mariners said his biggest off-season regret was not signing Guillen.

[Sure-Oz]

Yep. My thoughts exactly. He's young too. I'd hate to waste 5 years of him closing when he could of been a dominant starter. I know you guys are liking the saves, and I do too, but MOST teams theres not a huge difference between a good closer and a great closer. There is a big difference however between Burgos and Soria. But Burgos takes being a piece of shit closer to a new level.

I wouldn't mind the idea if someone else comes along honestly, but that won't happen for quite sometime and im just fine, and our starting staff may be better by then who knows.

[alanm]

Why limit a guy as good as Soria to 80 innings a year when he could pitch 210 inings? Let Ramirez or Mahay pitch. Good enough.
Because if the Royals are ahead in the 9th that's 80 wins. :thumb:
Leave him where he's at.

[Sure-Oz]

The ownwer of the Mariners said his biggest off-season regret was not signing Guillen.

Yeah the GM and the Manager probably would still have a job as well

[KcMizzou]

The ownwer of the Mariners said his biggest off-season regret was not signing Guillen.Yeah, I heard that on one of the talk radio shows. Said right now, they're really missing him.

[Hammock Parties]

Yeah and maybe his ego is infalted a little more here rather than in Seattle but he has backed it up immensely and has been worth every dime we pay him so far. He had a bad throw tonight that would of shot a runner and he comes up huge in the clutch at the plate to redeem.

i'd agree with you on that. Just think, we could have had Andrew Jones( jesus ****ing christ im glad we didnt get that mother ****er) or Torii Hunter(eh, not sure how he's done, but nothing too spectacular) so Guillen was a good choice.

[DeezNutz]

The idea that closers who perform at an elite level over a consistent basis are easier to find than elite starters isn't really true. Over the last 10 years, who besides Rivera would be in this category? Guys like Lidge blip onto the radar for a minute or two, but I don't think Soria's a Lidge.

[petegz28]

Yep. My thoughts exactly. He's young too. I'd hate to waste 5 years of him closing when he could of been a dominant starter. I know you guys are liking the saves, and I do too, but MOST teams theres not a huge difference between a good closer and a great closer. There is a big difference however between Burgos and Soria. But Burgos takes being a piece of shit closer to a new level.

Right now we have a good core of starters. We have to think in terms of what it takes to compete for a championship. And in today's game a closer like Soria is like Priest Holmes at the goal line. Just get him there and the game is over, he will take care of the rest. Even our 4 and 5 guys are decent and Hochevar will probably become more dominant as he progresses. Davies..well I wont say much but I am somewhat impressed so far.

We need some sticks as Avilles has shown us what 1 decent bat can do when it replaces an automatic out.

[KcMizzou]

Because if the Royals are ahead in the 9th that's 80 wins. :thumb:
Leave him where he's at.It's a pretty simple concept, really. If it aint broke...

[Fish]

To me, Guillen's just a hot headed loudmouth.

In the grand scheme of things, that's not so bad.

I just think we'd be a lot worse off without him.

Well said. That's how I see it as well.

[Sure-Oz]

The idea that closers who perform at an elite level over a consistent basis are easier to find than elite starters isn't really true. Over the last 10 years, whom besides Rivera would be in this category? Guys like Lidge blip onto the radar for a minute or two, but I don't think Soria's a Lidge.

Rivera and Soria are lights out, K rod and papelbon are pretty damn good as well, but i like Soria being a Rivera and i think he can be

[Reaper16]

I wouldn't mind the idea if someone else comes along honestly, but that won't happen for quite sometime and im just fine, and our starting staff may be better by then who knows.
I agree with this.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Appear 60-70 times with the game on the line in most of them or start 30??? You guys are lucky to have a guy like him at the end.

[petegz28]

Appear 60-70 times with the game on the line in most of them or start 30??? You guys are lucky to have a guy like him at the end.

DAMN SKIPPY!


And he is ours....ouRS.......OURS!!!!!!!!!

BWAHAHAHAHA

[Hammock Parties]

Also, think of this. throughout highschool and college and little leagues, pitchers are never groomed to be closers. It really isnt until the MLB level that the closer is ever utilized, so the likeliness of finding and grooming a closer would be most likely harder than finding an elite starter.

[ChiefsCountry]

I really hope Soria starts next year. He's just too good to be a closure. I don't care what anybody says. Starting pitching is 3 times more important than closers. He's young, at least give him a shot.

That is the most stupidest thing ever, look at the team across the state and ask them how important relief pitching is.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

The idea that closers who perform at an elite level over a consistent basis are easier to find than elite starters isn't really true. Over the last 10 years, who besides Rivera would be in this category? Guys like Lidge blip onto the radar for a minute or two, but I don't think Soria's a Lidge.

Trevor Hoffman had a big run, but you are right alot of closers flame out after a few years. Look at Gagne for example. Unhittable for a few years then poof.

[DeezNutz]

Rivera and Soria are lights out, K rod and papelbon are pretty damn good as well, but i like Soria being a Rivera and i think he can be

But do you think K Rod and Papelbon will be performing at their current levels in, say, 6 years? I'd say definitely not with K Rod, maybe Papelbon, who by the way was moved into and out of the rotation.

[petegz28]

Also, think of this. throughout highschool and college and little leagues, pitchers are never groomed to be closers. It really isnt until the MLB level that the closer is ever utilized, so the likeliness of finding and grooming a closer would be most likely harder than finding an elite starter.

It takes a hell of a person to come into the game with a 1 run lead and shut a team down night after night. Sure Mac and Burgos had flashes and some good nights but night after night they couldn't produce.


With Soria it's not will he produce its how sick will he make the hitter look?

[Fish]

What a fun game to watch as well...

I love seeing games like this that we actually pull off. The last 3-4 years, I would have expected and accepted a loss in a close one like this.

Boys in Blue are on the uprise.....

[Nightfyre]

Props to Hillman tonight.....

1. Olivo pinch hit...
2. Bunt call with Grudz...
3. Stayed with Mayhay until we got the lead...

3 game impacting decisions that paid off tonight.

How about the intentional walk with runners on 2nd and 3rd!

[DeezNutz]

Trevor Hoffman had a big run, but you are right alot of closers flame out after a few years. Look at Gagne for example. Unhittable for a few years then poof.

Yeah, true. Wagner has had success for some time, too. But the only constant I can think of for a longer stretch of time is Mo, and Soria looks so much like this guy it isn't funny, with a better hook of course.

[petegz28]

How about the intentional walk with runners on 2nd and 3rd!

k ...good point

[KcMizzou]

What a fun game to watch as well...

I love seeing games like this that we actually pull off. The last 3-4 years, I would have expected and accepted a loss in a close one like this.

Boys in Blue are on the uprise.....That's the thing.

At least now we have reason to hope something good will happen.

For a long time, we haven't.

[DeezNutz]

When fans know it's an 8-inning game from the start, that's pretty darn good reason to hope.

[petegz28]

That's the thing.

At least now we have reason to hope something good will happen.

For a long time, we haven't.

Well the good thing is when we play like this and we get guys like Guillena nd Meche other guys will sign a little easier with us. We have some solid pitching, it doesnt take much to see that. A good player can see we are just 1-2 players away when you look at it.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Yeah, true. Wagner has had success for some time, too. But the only constant I can think of for a longer stretch of time is Mo, and Soria looks so much like this guy it isn't funny, with a better hook of course.

Well IMO if you have a Mariano Rivera clone you should hope they keep his ass in the pen. Losing games late really F's with a team in a bad way.

[petegz28]

Well IMO if you have a Mariano Rivera clone you should hope they keep his ass in the pen. Losing games late really F's with a team in a bad way.

You'd think we would know this very well.....you'd think...:spock:

[DeezNutz]

Well IMO if you have a Mariano Rivera clone you should hope they keep his ass in the pen. Losing games late really F's with a team in a bad way.

Absolutely. Like I said, if he were even really good, I'd say experiment with moving him. But when he's outstanding and has the potential to become a staple of the franchise, making a change would be absurd.

[KcMizzou]

Absolutely. Like I said, if he were even really good, I'd say experiment with moving him. But when he's outstanding and has the potential to become a staple of the franchise, making a change would be absurd.I think that is a really good point.

If Soria were just a very good closer, you might consider making the move. But he's been unreal. Amazing. He's becoming a star.

You don't mess with that.

Good post, Deez.

[Pasta Little Brioni]

You'd think we would know this very well.....you'd think...:spock:

When is the last time you'd say the Royals had a quality pen before this year? It definately is a big reason they are trending up lately.

[DeezNutz]

Good post, Deez.

:thumb:

I wish you could make this a bubble-like quotation coming out of that chick's ass in your avi.

[KcMizzou]

:thumb:

I wish you could make this a bubble-like quotation coming out of that chick's ass in your avi.Heheh, I've changed it a couple of times... but she's back by popular request.

[Adept Havelock]

And by changing his role, you run a risk of screwing him up... It's not worth the risk. Not when he's THAT good.

Yep. If it's not broke, don't fix it. You could ruin the best young closer I've seen in years by trying to make a starter out of him.

[DeezNutz]

Heheh, I've changed it a couple of times... but she's back by popular request.

As well she should be. Like Soria, unreal and amazing.

[petegz28]

When is the last time you'd say the Royals had a quality pen before this year? It definately is a big reason they are trending up lately.

Hell yes it is.

[SithCeNtZ]

Yep. If it's not broke, don't fix it. You could ruin the best young closer I've seen in years by trying to make a starter out of him.

This seems like reasonable logic, but does anyone actually remember the last time a closer/reliever was amazing, then became a starter, but then got sent back to the pen and completely sucked? I can't really think of one.

[Reaper16]

This seems like reasonable logic, but does anyone actually remember the last time a closer/reliever was amazing, then became a starter, but then got sent back to the pen and completely sucked? I can't really think of one.
It's not quite right to compare Soria to a reliever to starter conversion, as Soria was a starter prior to joining the Royals. He has starting experience.

The closest comparison would be Greinke. He made the conversion from starter to reliever back to starter again just fine, and became a better pitcher because of the change.

[kcfanXIII]

his pitches are the filthiest junk i've ever seen. i say leave him in the closer

[Adept Havelock]

This seems like reasonable logic, but does anyone actually remember the last time a closer/reliever was amazing, then became a starter, but then got sent back to the pen and completely sucked? I can't really think of one.

I was thinking more of the potential of damaging his arm by trying to get him to throw like that for 7 innings every 5 days.

[KcMizzou]

I was thinking more of the potential of damaging his arm by trying to get him to throw like that for 7 innings every 5 days.Exactly.

[Sure-Oz]

But do you think K Rod and Papelbon will be performing at their current levels in, say, 6 years? I'd say definitely not with K Rod, maybe Papelbon, who by the way was moved into and out of the rotation.

Probably not....Soria has such an easy motion and delivery that he won't breakdown. Papelbon and Krod are more prone to that i think as well. Look at how simple Rivera's motion is, the guy has been badass throughout his long career. I think Soria def. has the makings to be a long time 40 saves guy.

[bkkcoh]

When fans know it's an 8-inning game from the start, that's pretty darn good reason to hope.

What's even better is the fact there have been stretches in which Royal's games have been 7 innings depending on who the set-up man has been and his degree of effectivness. That makes it even better with the quality of starts our pitchers have had recently, it makes it a real short game.

It takes a hell of a person to come into the game with a 1 run lead and shut a team down night after night. Sure Mac and Burgos had flashes and some good nights but night after night they couldn't produce.


With Soria it's not will he produce its how sick will he make the hitter look?

Not since Monty, the Quiz or the mad hungarian have the Royals have a dependable closer.

[Demonpenz]

Soria is like the sandman. He comes in through all the confusion and puts everyone to sleep. I know riveria is supposed to be the sandman but it fits soria better.

Paraphrased from royalsonrany.com

[Mr. Arrowhead]

Royals finish the month of June with a winning month at 16-11. Hopefully that is a sign of things to come

[Valiant]

Leave Soria in the pen.. I would rather he be here for 10+ years as an ace in the relief staff then be moved to a starter and have his wins lost by the relief staff..

Closers are just as important if not more then starters.. They generally are out there pitching every other game or two out of three.. How many games a year did we blow in the 9th the previous years because of having lackluster closers..

Hell ask the Cards this year if they would want a stud closer not to give up games..


--------------------------------------------

Next years wish list:

Decide on Olivio or Buck, I want Olivio...
Right fielder----------Dejesus gets moved over.. Trade Teahen..
New Left Fielder-----------Sign Adam Dunn..
Avila hopefully keeps up tear and becomes fixture..
Sign either.. (John Garland, John Lackey if he becomes available, CC Sabitha, Ben Sheets)
Sign Teixeira for first...


Now I know all of this is not possible, but I would love if we could get half of this..

[Mama Hip Rockets]

check out my new avatar to see what i got in the mail this morning.

[Nightfyre]

Leave Soria in the pen.. I would rather he be here for 10+ years as an ace in the relief staff then be moved to a starter and have his wins lost by the relief staff..

Closers are just as important if not more then starters.. They generally are out there pitching every other game or two out of three.. How many games a year did we blow in the 9th the previous years because of having lackluster closers..

Hell ask the Cards this year if they would want a stud closer not to give up games..


--------------------------------------------

Next years wish list:

Decide on Olivio or Buck, I want Olivio...
Right fielder----------Dejesus gets moved over.. Trade Teahen..
New Left Fielder-----------Sign Adam Dunn..
Avila hopefully keeps up tear and becomes fixture..
Sign either.. (John Garland, John Lackey if he becomes available, CC Sabitha, Ben Sheets)
Sign Teixeira for first...


Now I know all of this is not possible, but I would love if we could get half of this..

I'm a big fan of signing one more stellar young pitcher, maybe one more proven bat and drafting well.